Q2 a little SUV shiner for Audi

AUDI has some bright stars in its vast model line-up and I was driving one of these a couple of weeks ago.

This was a Q2 – its smallest SUV – and it came in a stunning Vegas yellow with ice-silver rear pillars.

It would be difficult not to see this vehicle on the road but there was much more to admire than its colour.

The Q2 is a top quality compact SUV and looks super with its sporty styling.

It looks muscular from the front with the high-mounted grille and large air inlets while the low roof descends into those coloured rear pillars and long roof spoiler.

The Q2 benefits from features already familiar in larger Audi models, including optional virtual cockpit and head-up display as well as pre-sense front with pedestrian recognition system that is standard.

And there are all the latest high-tech connectivity and infotainment features on board.

Additional standard features on this model include 18-inch alloys, LED headlamps with LED rear lights and sweeping rear indicators, LED interior lighting, cloth/leather front sport seats with S embossing and a multi-function perforated leather steering wheel.

Typical Audi quality is evident as soon as you enter the cabin with an all-round super smart finish.

And you won’t be let down with the Q2’s performance after you press the start button.

It sprints out of the blocks to reach 62mph in just 8.1 seconds.

The seven-speed auto transmission moved up and down the gears every so sweetly.

And if you need rapid acceleration it responds immediately.

There’s also the option of using the gear-shift paddles on the steering wheel if you want to make manual changes but I was more than happy driving in auto mode.

I sampled this Q2 during some wet and icy weather conditions and its handling was tremendous.

It displayed lots of grip as I took corners at speed, displaying the super Audi Quattro qualities to the full.

There was plenty of mid-range power from the punchy diesel engine and that allowed some fun driving.

The Q2, capable of reaching 131mph, is also ideal for long journeys as it cruised quietly and smoothly at motorway speeds.

You won’t have to make too many fuel stops either as this model has a claimed combined fuel economy of 57.6mpg.

Driving position was excellent in a roomy interior that offered enough head, leg and elbow room for two rear seat adult passengers with a third making it a tight squeeze.

Up front we were treated to sports seats in black Fine Nappa leather with black leatherette stripes and Rock grey contrast stitching – a £1,250 option.

And there was decent boot space for an SUV of this size – 405 litres rising to 1,050 with the 60/40 split rear seats folded.

Prices range from under £22,000 with this model’s on-the-road cost £31,890.

There are lots of options available but be careful when you add these as additions on the test model shot it up to £40,505.